Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has described himself as a “freelance politician,” signalling a shift from strict party alignment as political realignments gather pace ahead of the 2027 elections.
The governor made the remark on Thursday while hosting Peter Obi and other South-East political stakeholders in Bauchi.
Mohammed said the meeting focused on national unity and collaboration rather than partisan politics, stressing that the current political climate calls for broader cooperation across party lines.
“Neither PDP nor ADC is standing alone. I am a freelance politician now, and his party is also in limbo. We are looking up to the judiciary,” he said.
He added that the discussions were part of ongoing consultations among opposition figures seeking possible alliances and strategies ahead of future elections.
“We cannot operate without a platform. At the end of the day, the current political situation may even help unify us and strengthen our chances of winning elections,” he noted.
Describing Obi’s visit as symbolic, Mohammed said it reflects efforts to build bridges across regions and promote national cohesion.
“He is talking about unifying the country, building bridges, and creating a new tomorrow for Nigeria. This is what we stand for,” the governor said.
Speaking earlier, Obi explained that his visit was aimed at strengthening cooperation among political stakeholders across the country.
“My purpose is to solicit support and cooperation… in our quest to unite this country,” he said, dismissing speculation about political defections.
“We are not inviting each other into political parties; we are inviting ourselves to build a better Nigeria,” Obi added.
The meeting was attended by several notable figures, including Achike Udenwa, Enyinnaya Abaribe, and Victor Umeh.
The development comes amid increasing political consultations across party lines, as leaders position themselves and explore new alliances in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
